I think that we are all aware that we are living in fearful times. The world around us is turning away from God. The great standards that made America different are being tossed away. Morality is deemed a joke, and the commands of our creator are being ignored. Mankind has determined to push God far from their lives, and live recklessly, ignoring all the results of sin. There are a lot of things that we cannot, correct, but we can pray for our country, and live-lives that still point the way to our righteous God. We must continue faithfully standing as an example of all that is right.

First: Stand Single-mindedly: In Matthew 12:25 we read, “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:”A house divided against itself cannot stand. This is a time for believers to stand together. Don't be afraid to stick up for truth, and stand together as a church, and body of believers.

Second: Stand In Grace: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God" Romans 5:1-2. Standing against the troubles of this life in our own strength will fail. We will stand in Him only as He accepts us in His grace which surrounds us forever as His own.

Third: Stand In Liberty: In Galatians 5:1, we read, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." We have been made free of the devil's control, and released from the power of sin and its penalty. We are the children of the family of God, and nothing can bind us or take away our freedom that He purchased for us.

Fourth: Stand Against The Devil: In Ephesians 6:11 we read, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Satan will use many deceptions to hinder your life, and keep you from being your best for the Saviour. Never give in, but fight the battle with all the strength God will give you. He has beaten the devil, and so can we as we do battle in the name of the Lord.

Fifth: Stand In Truth And Righteousness: In Ephesians 6:14 we read, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness." We must stand in His righteousness, for we have none of our own. Pleasing God and glorifying Christ with our life puts us over the top, with His blessing.

Sixth: Stand In The Will Of God: In Colossians 4:12 we read, "…That ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." Obedience to God is foundational to all that we face. Seek His will and listen to His voice and walk in the center of His will.

Seventh: Stand, Not Fearing Future Judgment: In Revelation 6:17 we read, "For the great day of his wrath is come: and who shall be able to stand." Sinners will be judged for every sin and be cast into the lake of fire, to be eternally punished. On the other hand, believers need not fear the future judgment, which will bring us rewards for all the faithful things we did for the glory of our Savior.

Eight: Stand Free In The Face Of Death: In I Corinthians 15:58 we read, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Stand above man’s fear of death, and be faithful for a lifetime. Then we will be able to rejoice forever and forever, in our eternal bodies, in an eternal Heaven, in the presence of the King of Kings. Praise God!

May God's blessing be upon you this week as you read and meditate on the 5th message from the Book of I John 2:12-14 "The Saints MATURITY in the Fellowship with God."

PS: As we have repeatedly said, we will not charge for sending the Weekly SERMON. However there are expenses associated with doing what we do. If possible during 2013, would you please consider helping us in this faith ministry? Your donation will help us to continue to “stand in the gap” in “teaching others also.” After you have given your tithes to your church and taken care of your pastor, would you consider giving either a yearly gift, or a monthly offering? Remember, for the purposes of financial accountability, we have placed this ministry under the Green Street Baptist Chapel of Edwardsville, PA. Checks made out to Green Street Baptist Chapel, memo to the Bible Baptist ministry and mailed to Bible Baptist Ministry 48 Alexie Rd, Hanover Township, PA 18706 will be applied to this ministry.

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